[QUOTE=legz_mcgee]so I ask the guy at the LBS if the air compressors at gas stations are sufficient. He says no way.
[QUOTE]

Your LBS guy should have given you a more detailed answer! As long as you have a basic understanding of volume and pressure, air from a real service station (if you can find one) is okay in a pinch. The funky little "compressor on a post" at the convenience store will probably max out at 50 psi and it will cost you some change to find out. That is probably why he said 'no way'. I do agree that it is easier on the tube and tire to be inflated slowly with a floor pump than quickly with a high pressure hose, but I would not hesitate to use the hose if that is what I had available. I don't think the LBS guy was trying to sell you something you don't need. After five years of bike riding, I recently purchased a Park floor pump - I should have done it a long time ago! With the built-in guage and quick attach thingy on the hose with openings for either presta or schrader valves, it is faster and more convenient than using the air compressor in my garage, especially when dealing with presta valves.